“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” – Thomas Campbell
Joyce Marie Cernoch Kainer of Katy went to her eternal rest on Monday, April 12, 2021, leaving behind a life of love and enduring faith. Though her family is left to mourn and remember, Joyce filled her 84 years with family and friends, laughter and comfort, joy and faith. She is loved and her memory will be sustained by those she touched and cherished.
Joyce was born Sept. 7, 1936 in Weimar to George and Kristina Janecka Cernoch. The eldest of three, she loved her siblings, Janet Greensage, née Cernoch and George Jr. Throughout her childhood, spent first in Weimar, then Schulenburg until their move to Houston in 1949, Joyce learned the importance of family and embraced the comfort and traditions of her Czech heritage. A graduate of Stephen F. Austin High School, class of 1955, Joyce held many positions in her life, first at Reed Roller Bit, then Scientific Placement as a Certified Placement Counselor and finally as office manager at Lucas Petroleum. She was an active member of the Catholic Daughters of America for 58 years and was devoted to her faith and her church. If asked, however, her greatest joy was in her family. She celebrated 60 years of marriage with her beloved husband Leonard, raising their son Darrell and caring for her nieces and nephews, her grandchildren and honorary children. Joyce’s love was strong and enduring. Once she took people into her heart, they were always hers.
Blessed with a deep laugh and a sharp memory, Joyce enjoyed living to the fullest. She embraced the adventure, from scenic cruises to the excitement of Las Vegas. From bridge to Uno to the thrill of the slot machines, she loved the challenge of the play and took joy in her companions. She loved entertaining and her home was always open. She was the keeper of memories and family ties, drawing people close while chuckling about the absurdities of the past. She lived fully and fiercely, devoted and hardworking, she was a woman of faith and strength.
Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, George and Kristina Cernoch, her sister, Janet Alice Greensage, and her beloved husband and partner, Leonard Kainer.
She leaves her legacy of love and comfort to her son, Darrell Kainer and daughter-in-law Cheryl, grandchildren Christina and Jared Kainer, her brother George Cernoch Jr. and her numerous nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
The rosary was recited on Monday, April 19, 2021 at 10 a.m. followed by a visitation at 10:30 a.m. and the funeral mass at 11 a.m. at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Katy. Burial followed at 1 p.m. at the Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to either Catholic Daughters Of America #2258 at St. Michael, 1801 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056, or to a charity of one’s choice.